Recruiting Report: Kyler Block (2019)

Division III college coaching staffs spend a lot of hours searching the Buckeye State for basketball players with skill, size, a steady work-ethic, a coachable attitude, and a quality academic transcript — they spend time looking for Kyler Block (2019).

Block is a 6’6” forward/center from Thomas Worthington who played for Nova (Morgan) this summer. And, fortunately for Block and the coaches pursuing him, the secret is definitely out about his value as a prospect.

Otterbein, Ohio Wesleyan, Allegheny, Mount St. Joseph, Heidelberg, Muskingum, Defiance, and Hiram have all pursued him thus far. That list, Block hopes, could continue to grow throughout his senior year at TWHS, too.

“I kind of want to see what else I can possibly get throughout the season,” Block said, as it pertains to a timetable on his college decision. Therefore, he will wait until after his senior season to decide.

So, what will that choice be based on?

“Pretty much, affordability and stuff like that,” he said. “Maybe a little bit of how close [the school] is, because I would like my family to come out to games.”

Thomas Worthington is located just 11 miles north of Downtown Columbus. Also, the family aspect he referenced shouldn’t be overlooked by programs; the decision-room, so to speak, will involve Block and his family exclusively.

Block has taken visits to Otterbein, Ohio Wesleyan, Allegheny, and Hiram so far. He hasn’t decided if he will travel to each of the other four mentioned. However, he would like to see as many campuses as possible.

“I really liked Mount St. Joseph, Allegheny, and Ohio Wesleyan just because they’re good programs and their schools are nice,” Block said.

Although that trio represents his current top three, Block isn’t ruling anyone out whatsoever. As mentioned, the 3.4 GPA/21 ACT student is even open to new schools emerging during his senior season.

For his high school team, Block, a natural five at the next level, is asked to play more of a four alongside 6’8” Ohio Univ. center commit Ben Wight. The transition Block has made these last few seasons speaks to his coachability.

“I’ve always been more of a center. I didn’t really play four until my sophomore year because that’s where they needed me,” Block said. “I’m pretty comfortable anywhere.

“It forced me to dribble a lot more, so I worked on my ball-handling. When I was a five, I wasn’t really focused on that,” he said. “Now I always have to be ready to catch-and-shoot and be ready to attack players.”

Block is a fluid and laterally quick enough athlete to defend on switches, while being long and strong enough to defend fives also. Those ball skills he spoke on also jump out when evaluating Block, especially passing. He’s a willing passer, and as he would tell you, maybe even too willing.

“Being a little more aggressive on offense,” Block answered when asked what he needs to work on. “Most of the time, I hesitate. I don’t why, it just kind of happens. I’d like to fix that so I’m able to go at players and create situations where someone needs to help.”

His tendencies do, however, lead to assists to open shooters. Some of those deliveries from the block (pun intended) also come after offensive rebounds, as Block has a knack for creating second-chance shots for his team.